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amy skinner
Social climber
lander, wyoming
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Dec 30, 2006 - 11:57am PT
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Hello all-
I am so happy that you are all still reading and writing about Todd. Please keep watching- We'll have some spectacular photos soon. Orion and Holly have been finding photos of Bob's skiing and climbing trips from the early days and will post them soon. I believe that one of them is on a mid-fifties first ascent on Middle Cathedral - the Thirsty Spire with the Longs. My thoughts are with Kirstin and Zoe, the families of Karen McNeill, Howard Doyle, Alex Lowe and all my heroes and friends who have gone before. My life is better because of those folks and lots of others like Catherine Freer, Mugs Stump, Amy Bechtel, Paul and Loretta Muehl - the list goes on and on.
Let's look forward to a grand new year-
Cheers,
Amy
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Leavittator
climber
san diego, ca.
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Dec 31, 2006 - 11:20am PT
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It is hard for me to write about Todd Skinner, because part of me still believes he can’t be gone. I guess, in reality he isn’t gone. If you see what everyone has written about him, you know how many lives he touched. What is amazing to me is how the same qualities were seen by so many people. Most of you have already said it better than I. Todd was a unique and special individual. His positive attitude was contagious. He was a true leader who wasn’t afraid to stand up to see where he was going, while the rest of the pack was crawling around on their bellies. If you put aside all of his “type A” qualities of leadership, drive and ambition, you were left with an individual who was warm and caring to everyone around him. This is rare. What a special guy he was. Thanks Todd for all the fun we had. Thanks for welcoming me and my friends into your home and along on your climbing projects. We all miss you.
Your friend,
Randy Leavitt
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inhisfootsteps
Sport climber
the
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This is still hard for me to write because, like many of you I am sure, it still hits hard when the realization of Todd being physically gone kicks in. It is the worst type of wake up call to me I believe because I remember him talking, laughing, and telling stories. The reality of him never doing that is hard to accept. But after the week with my family in Wyoming, I have realized that a loss as great as this can bring the greatest love.
It was a very emotional holiday as I pulled out the old photo albums and looked at the pictures of my Uncle Todd and I together. There is a picture of when we zipped a big pillow into Jakes pajamas last Thanksgiving. He was walking around in his cowboy boots and his pajamas and Todd just looks up and says to us, "This is what happens when you eat too much pumpkin pie!" We all started laughing. But Jake is exactly like my Uncle Todd in that he just wants to see people happy. This is a quality that I see in all the kids but Jake's has especially stood out to me. He can immediatly cure my sadness by just being around. Sarah, is very loving.I think she actually has enough love to make world peace. Her laugh can make the saddest of days better and her hugs are amazing!! And Hannah who just turned 8 is growing so independent. She is not afraid to try things first which is a great quality, just like her Dad. And my Aunt Amy. There are no words to describe her. She is beautiful, inside and out and stronger than anyone I know. She always knows what to say and is not afraid to love completely. You can just see her reflection in her kids. I absolutely adore my family and am so grateful I got to have such a quality bunch of people as the persons I can come to in a time of need.
It seems unfair that I was able to know Todd as long as I did and his own children knew him for shorter. But I am positive that when they grow older, the people who had known him for their whole lives and people who have traveled with him and knew him can tell his children about what a wonderful Dad, friend, climbing partner, etc he was.
Thank you to Maria also- you make the darkest days seem brighter.
♥
Rebecca
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Joe Q
Mountain climber
Pleasanton, CA
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To the friends and family of Todd Skinner:
I met Todd while working for AT&T in Pleasanton CA at an annual sales rally where he spoke to a few hundred people. I had never heard of him and never had much interest in rock climbing, but once he began, all that changed. He requested I go on a trip with him to Trango Tower and while on that trip I was made to feel happy, sad, anguished, fearful, respectful, respected, human, 125% committed, cold, and loved. It was one of the most remarkable presentations I've ever had the pleasure to witness, a climber with the ability to speak right to my imagination.
You have lost a husband, friend, brother, son, and father, we have all lost a hero who made the world a better place. I just heard the news Todd passed tonight while researching my next climb to Denali and I am so deeply saddened for your loss. No, I don't live on the moon I am truly an outsider to your community and didn't know.
Amy, thank you for your message to us, I am a newly single dad and will appreciate all I have more thanks to you and your loving message. I asked my kids if I should stop singing Sinatra to them and go get some really fun bedtime stories, they said yes.
After the presentation Todd gave to us I was offered the rare opportunity to speak to him in person. I was so inspired by his presentation that I went right for the holy grail asking about my chances of climg everest and coming home with my fingers and toes. He looked at me the way you all know so well and said without even a second of hesitation that I "Absolutely could do it if I really wanted it" He talked of knowing Sir Edmond Hillary and I was then, and am now in awe of his accomplishment and open hearted love for people like me. The average guy who asks the same stupid questions with little or no knowledge of what it takes. None of my questions were stupid to Todd, he made sure I knew that.
I've summitted Mt. Shasta, Mt. Rainier, was weathered off Denali and I'm trying again this year, my goal is to climb Everest by my 50th birthday 6 years from now all because of a chance encounter with Todd Skinner. I don't know if Todd was a religious man but my kids and I prayed for his soul and your sweet family of all who knew him. I am a better friend, x husband, father, and person for having met him just once.
I wish you all the best in your adventures, may you make good decisions on and off your climbs and come home safe to the ones you love.
You will be missed Todd, Thank You for talking with me!
Joe Q
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Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, Ca
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I just watched the 54 minute PBS version of Vertical Frontier as mentioned in this thread.
At the 38 minute mark of this version, Todd Skinner appears speaking on camera,
and is shown on Salathe Wall.
Check TVguide.com or other listings website for more showtimes if you missed it;
I also see it it listed for Thursday night - as well as Friday in the wee hours.
Here is the Vertical Frontier homepage.
According to PBS, the full-length, uncut version can be ordered from this website.
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Conner
Social climber
on the road
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Dear Amy,
Thanks so much for sharing with us. I've been down under for a couple of months and not able to check in much. It's good to come back and find your kind and inspired words. You and the kids and all the Skinners have been in my thoughts and prayers these last months. I was so sorry to hear about Todd's Dad. My brother in law sent a New Year's email that reminded me of the harsh realities of life and loss, of all kinds...
Love is amazing and precious... it lives on in our hearts amidst the memories we carry with us and the actions we take as we move forward. Happy New Year...
In Peace,
Connie Self
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JuanGrande
Trad climber
Oceanside
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Jan 20, 2007 - 04:18pm PT
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I stumbled on news of Todd's accident on a random click to a yosemite Park link. I ran into Todd once in Hueco, but of course his name was well known to anyone who climbed. I read nearly all of the 400+ posts here and am deeply gratifed to know more about his life and family.
Reading the posts, some from people I met years ago reminded me of what great people make up the climbing world. C4 is such a special place, and I always looked forward to my trips there. I have been off the rock for about 5 years. A huge tub of gear sits on the floor in the middle of my spare bedroom, I refuse to store it away. Now a father I realize the reponsibilites of raising my son and Todds story is an inspiration. I hope to again make climbing a part of my sons life, I would be proud to see him sneak into the Valley and climbed those granite walls.
Thank you Todd
Peace
Jon and Raymond
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Gumpydog
Social climber
WY, currently residing in MN
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I was decluttering some things this past week and came across this 1989 Wyoming highway map. The cover shows a photo of Todd climbing at Devil's Tower. This is the Todd I remember. Thought I'd post it here for everyone else to see.
I'm amazed at how Todd's death has affected me. I barely knew him and it's been over 20 years since I last saw him, but I've thought about him every day since I learned of his fall.
How is it that one person can affect the lives of so many for so long?
Craig Shepard
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inhisfootsteps
Sport climber
the
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Mar 22, 2007 - 07:58pm PT
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"What makes a legend? Is it the things they did while they were alive? Or the things that they are remembered for?"
-The Guardian-
Mr. Shepard- I am not sure how someone could have accomplished so much in so little time while during all that, never letting a smile leave his face. What I do know is that I can strive to be like he was and continue the great stories and the amazing attitude that he carried at all times. He continues to be a role model for me, even after he is physically gone. His greatness will live on even though he can't. He made that possible.
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amy skinner
Social climber
lander, wyoming
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Mar 25, 2007 - 11:48pm PT
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Hello-
I just realized that we never posted photos of Todd's Memorial Party- sorry for the long delay. The day was a great tribute to Todd - so many friends and family came to celebrate his life. Thank you to all who made it happen. We're all doing well - working on lots of exciting new projects and missing Todd. Hope you enjoy these-photos -they are all from Bobby Model.
Cheers,
Amy
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amy skinner
Social climber
lander, wyoming
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Oct 14, 2007 - 01:09am PT
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It's been a year since I've seen Todd. On Oct 13, 2006, he left Lander for Yosemite. I never could have guessed that this Yosemite trip would be any different than all those before. . . It's been an amazing year full of ups and downs, but here we are at the end of the year - still standing. The year has brought more hard times and more wonderful times than I could have ever imagined. I've got new loves to nurture, old loves to maintain and overall life is grand and full. This forum has been a gift for me, for Molly, for Bobby and for all of our families - thanks to all of you for reading and writing. On October 28, my children will be hosting a birthday party on what would have been Todd's 49th. We'll celebrate his life and dedicate our "daddy wall" at our place at Red Canyon. The kids will be decorating stones with words, phrases or pictures to add to the wall. We'd also like to extend an invitation for friends to send a stone or rememberance. Again, thanks to all of you for your continuing love and support.
Amy, Hannah, Sarah and Jake
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nick d
Trad climber
nm
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Oct 14, 2007 - 01:24am PT
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All the best to you and your family. I am very sorry for your loss, but thankful for your positive attitude and good spirit. Keep on keepin on.
Michael Smith
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Melissa
Gym climber
berkeley, ca
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Oct 14, 2007 - 06:47pm PT
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Here's a wish for all good things from this point forward for you and your family. :-) Todd is still in our thoughts.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Oct 14, 2007 - 09:02pm PT
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hey there.... saw that this is near a year later, as you said amy in your post... sorrows do still break the heart, even though time passess.... yet, beauty of the love you both shared, will be the balm for that sadness....
i did not know todd.. but any of us with climbers in our family, or lives sure share out love and wishes for good blessing to uphold you at this time....
god bless you during this time.. and the birtday, as well...take care...
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Lezlie Lehmann
Trad climber
Van Nuys, Ca.
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Oct 17, 2007 - 02:35pm PT
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Dear Amy and family,
You have all been in my thoughts and prayers all through this past year and as my family embarks on our annual trek to Yosemite, Todd is foremost on my mind and in my heart-
Climbing to me is synonomous with spectacular flashes of Todd in all his glory; he was my key spark and inspiration to pursue the heights to the best of my ability. From the first moment my husband (to-be at that time) and I spotted Todd free soloing a looming wall at City park in June of 1985, he literally took my breath away and literally changed the course of my life.
As novices, we were blessed to have Todd as our trusted Guide. His warmth and generosity as a friend embraced us as we lassoed on our gear and rode head-on into the climbing arena that gifted us with a spectacular year on the road with Todd.
I will always love and miss your Wyoming Cowboy and treasure every moment we spent with him.
Please know, Amy, that you and your kids, family and friends are in the thoughts and hearts of every heart Todd touched on his remarkable but all too brief journey. That Great Big Shared Love and Admiration for him, I hope, will bring some solace and comfort to you throughout the years ahead.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your generous spirit with us on this forum- I've been checking in here lately, knowing that the impending anniversary would spark a flux of tomes in Todd's Beloved memory.
Wishing All the Best All the time for you and your beloveds, Amy-
Lezlie
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Crimpergirl
Social climber
St. Looney
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Oct 17, 2007 - 05:08pm PT
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Thanks for sharing the photos and your thoughts.
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IkeH20
climber
NY
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Oct 22, 2007 - 04:44pm PT
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Amy and kids:
We are thinking of all of you this week, as you celebrate Todd's life as husband, father, brother, friend. Still missing him on this end, too. But as Todd used to tell me, "Strong winds make for hard timber." And another Todd saying..."It is better to be in the mountains thinking of God, than in church, thinking of the mountains." A rock is heading your way, a remembrance from the Ikes.
Love and hugs to all of you!
Kara, Jimmy, Lander, Logan and Lachlan
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Ken Brokaw
climber
Walnut Creek, CA
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Oct 22, 2007 - 07:47pm PT
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Amy,
I was well aware of Todd and his passing last year, as I am located in Northern California and got word via the SF Chronicle in 2006. I was at the University of Wyoming with Todd and spent time with him. Like the many posts before mine, Todd was a genuine friend to all who met him. We were on the same floor at McIntyre Hall together and occasionally he would scale the cafeteria wall or other building exteriors during the school year. I'm pretty sure I have a photo of him and others in a Toga at one of our floor parties. As you know, and have been told by countless people, Todd was an immediate friend to all, which was no exception in the late 1970's.
My wife and I just returned from Yosemite in celebration of our 20th wedding anniversary. I thought of Todd during our trip and the infectious personality he had. I won't forget Todd and I hope your family is well during this difficult time.
All the Best, Ken
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Jaybro
Social climber
The West
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Oct 22, 2007 - 09:24pm PT
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I remember those Macintyre days. Remember the school paper cover photo of him soloing the second teir crack on the classroom building? The caption read,"Real estate major, Royal Robbins, training for Mt McKinley."
Sunday will be my daughter's 18th birthday,(Todd's 49th?) we will eat a peice of cake and share a poignant laugh for Todd, as well!
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chino
Trad climber
san anselmo
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Oct 24, 2007 - 12:09am PT
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Hi Amy, Hannah, Sarah and Jake,
We've thought a lot of you and Todd this past week. (Well, all year, really, but moreso this week.) I am so thankful for all of the goodness that has come into my life as a result of Jim knowing you and Todd. Jim and I have both learned so much from you about how we want to live our lives and love the people around us; thank you for being such a remarkable teacher.
I'm so glad to hear about the Daddy Wall and Jim and I will get a rock into the mail this week with plans to get it there by Todd's birth day.
With lots of love,
Lauren and Jim Hewett
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